NEW YORK, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The well-known long-running American kids' television series "Sesame Street" recently launched an initiative focusing on guiding kids to tackle life taumas.
In newly released videos, Sesame Streets stars Elmo, Abby, Big Bird and other muppets, with the help of adults learn how to express their feelings, self-care with hugs and hit pillows to release anger.
These videos along with relevant books, workshops and activities are a new initiative from Sesame Street in Communities funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and other partners.
Aiming to reduce the harmful effects on children of negative and stressful experiences, the new initiative takes kids under six years old, parents, caregivers and others in the communities as the main sources of education.
Analysis of the 2016 U.S. National Survey of Children's Health reveals that more than 20 percent of American children have had at least two adverse childhood experiences such as abuse and neglect, witnessing domestic violence, divorce or etc.
According to a statement by Sesame Workshop, traumatic experiences and resulting toxic stress can disrupt a child's brain development and increase the risk of both short-term physical, social, and emotional issues.
Psychiatrist Gail Saltz agreed on the importance of helping children learn how to cope with these feelings, pointing out that many parents do not understand the impact stress may have on their kids.
Besides the Sesame Street's initiative, Dr. Saltz in an interview with CNN suggests parents help their kids with the following tips:
Reassure kids that they are loved and supported.
Listen to kids' feelings and avoid comments like "It's no big deal".
Allow children to express themselves through talking, drawing or writing about their feelings and experiences.
Be honest with kids when they're not certain about why something happens and offer support.
